The echoes of Turkey’s diplomatic efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war and the positive coverage of Bayraktar TB-2s on the world agenda continue. Finally, there has been an important development regarding the sale of F-16s to Turkey in relation to the US Congress. According to the news in “Defense News”, one of the important media organs in the field of defense in the USA, the way Turkey followed with Bayraktar TB-2 unmanned aerial vehicles and its diplomacy with Russia, especially in the Ukraine war, created a positive image in the US Congress.
“THE AREAS WE NEED TO WORK WITH WITH TURKEY”
The news, which emphasized that this role played by Turkey in the recent period, reduced the possible objections in the Congress regarding the possible sale of the F-16 to Ankara, the opinions of influential figures in the Congress were also included.
Pointing out that the Biden administration expressed the opinion that the sale of F-16s to Turkey would serve the security interests of NATO and the United States, members of Congress said that the sale of the F-16 could also be effective in Turkey’s continued support to Ukraine.
Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the US House of Representatives, said, “We need to talk and work together with Turkey and other countries that are working with us against Russia. Turkey has taken some actions in the right direction. Even though some things bother us from time to time, there are areas where we need to work with Turkey. ” used the phrase.
“TURKEY PROVIDED STRONG ARGUMENTS ABOUT WHY IT NEEDS F-16S”
On the other hand, many members of Congress, who made great efforts to remove Turkey from the F-35 program, signaled that they would not oppose the sale of the F-16 to Turkey.
Jim Risch, Leader of the Republicans in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, “(F-16 sales to Turkey) I have spoken to many parties on this issue. Turkey has presented credible arguments about why it needs F-16s. ” made his comment.
Risch added that the sale of the F-16 is a different situation than the delivery of the F-35 to Turkey.
“WE SHOULD FIND A WAY TO REBUILD RELATIONS WITH TURKEY”
Adam Smith, Chairman of the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives, said, “We need relations with Turkey, we must find a way to re-establish those relations.” gave your message.
Noting that Biden is working to keep relations with Turkey in balance, Smith said, “It may be difficult to achieve this balance because the S-400 issue has complicated our relations, on the other hand, we cannot give up on this relationship.” said.
“We expect Turkey to continue to stand side by side with its NATO allies in support of Ukraine, which is defending its own land,” the office of Mike McCaul, the leader of the Republicans in the House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement to Defense News on the subject. expression was used.
Pointing out that the war in Ukraine is not over yet, the statement said, “We expect the Biden administration to apply to Congress for this sale. Turkey still plays a constructive role in the conflict in Ukraine.” opinion shared. (AA)